Henri Matisse Quotes

A collection of quotes by Henri Matisse.

Henri Matisse (1869-1954) was a French artist known for his significant contributions to modern art. Born in Le Cateau-CambrÃ©sis, France, Matisse initially pursued a legal career before discovering his passion for painting during a bout of illness. He subsequently abandoned law to study art in Paris, where he became associated with the Fauvist movement.

Matisse's artistic style went through several phases. In the early years, he incorporated the bold, vibrant colors of the Fauvists, challenging traditional notions of representation and composition. Over time, he developed a more simplified and abstract approach, focusing on shapes and forms. This period, known as "cut-outs," produced some of his most famous works, including "The Snail" and "Blue Nude II."

Throughout his career, Matisse explored a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, and even book illustration. He also gained recognition as a skilled draftsman and printmaker. His diverse body of work featured an array of subjects, ranging from still lifes and landscapes to tropical scenes and interior settings.

Matisse's influence extended beyond his own art, as he often challenged conventions and inspired other artists. His innovative techniques and expressive use of color left an indelible mark on the art world. Today, this revolutionary artist is celebrated as one of the pioneers of modernism and continues to inspire generations of artists.

A picture must possess a real power to generate light and fo

A picture must possess a real power to generate light and for a long time now I've been conscious of expressing myself through light or rather in light.

In the beginning you must subject yourself to the influence

In the beginning you must subject yourself to the influence of nature. You must be able to walk firmly on the ground before you start walking on a tightrope.

You study, you learn, but you guard the original naivete. It

You study, you learn, but you guard the original naivete. It has to be within you, as desire for drink is within the drunkard or love is within the lover.

Love Desire Doingyourbest

An artist must never be a prisoner. Prisoner? An artist shou

An artist must never be a prisoner. Prisoner? An artist should never be a prisoner of himself, prisoner of style, prisoner of reputation, prisoner of success, etc.

I don't paint things. I only paint the difference between th

I don't paint things. I only paint the difference between things.

All that I really have to recount are observations and notes

All that I really have to recount are observations and notes made during the course of my life as a painter. I ask those who will have the patience to read these notes the indulgence usually granted to the writings of painters

Life Writing Painting

Drawing is like making an expressive gesture with the advant

Drawing is like making an expressive gesture with the advantage of permanence.

It is only after years of preparation that the young artist

It is only after years of preparation that the young artist should touch color - not color used descriptively, that is, but as a means of personal expression.

Creativity takes courage.

Creativity takes courage.

Derive happiness in oneself from a good day's work, from ill

Derive happiness in oneself from a good day's work, from illuminating the fog that surrounds us.

Exactitude is not truth.

Exactitude is not truth.

What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity

What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter - a soothing, calming influence on the mind, rather like a good armchair which provides relaxation from physical fatigue.

There is nothing more difficult for a truly creative painter

There is nothing more difficult for a truly creative painter than to paint a rose, because before he can do so he has first to forget all the roses that were ever painted.

He who loves, flies, runs, and rejoices he is free and nothi

He who loves, flies, runs, and rejoices he is free and nothing holds him back.

There are always flowers for those who want to see them.

There are always flowers for those who want to see them.

An artist must possess Nature. He must identify himself with

An artist must possess Nature. He must identify himself with her rhythm, by efforts that will prepare the mastery which will later enable him to express himself in his own language.

In the beginning you must subject yourself to the influence

In the beginning you must subject yourself to the influence of nature. You must be able to walk firmly on the ground before you start walking of a tightrope.

I don't know whether I believe in God or not. I think, reall

I don't know whether I believe in God or not. I think, really, I'm some sort of Buddhist. But the essential thing is to put oneself in a frame of mind which is close to that of prayer.